Seeking the right suspension setup.

[ooobombz]

Currently on my S13 Hatch I have urethane bushings, eibach pro kit springs (with one coil cut off the back springs) and strut braces on the front and back. She's running on S14 SE Wheels so they're pretty basic 16" rims wrapped in some mid grade Kuhmo's.

I think my car is going to rattle apart eventually. Any type of bump is pretty harsh and sends a shiver down the chassis. I really like how flat she corners, but I'm looking to find a balance between performance and real-world stop and go. I've ordered some KYB adjustable shocks to replace the tired stock ones, but what else can I do to make it so my spine isn't the only suspension the car has?

[[s3]]

1st, cutting the eibachs wasn't the smartest move

2nd, get a set of coilovers

The cut springs will only destroy your suspension in time.

[crzycav86]

Just replace your rear springs. If it's still too stiff, go back to stock springs. I wouldn't recommend coilovers if you have problems with the stiffness.

[xTearsFallForeverx]

go with sportlines and kyb. up to 2.2 in the front and 2.1 in the back. i thought about cutting one coil off the front.. cause i dont think it sits low enough.. but oh well. if i ever get some 17's it will look better.

[240marcuSX]

coilovers are not the solution for everyone, definately replace your rear springs, and some new shocks would be good, try that on for size and then report back to camp, move.

[gumby]

ive heard sway bars are a far superior upgrade to tower braces as far as handling is concerned

[pmkls2]

well my personal solution to that same dilemma was to do a custom coilover conversion like featured on the 240sx.org site. that way you can have an adjustable ride, use stock style replacement strust like the kyb's and YOU get to pick the spring rate that best suits your driving style. The whole conversion is very simple and very easy to do. I followed the instructions and had no problems, but one tip I will give you is I used QA1 springs from jegs and summit because they were much cheaper than the afco ones at about half the cost.......

[pmkls2]

p.s. the most important thing that I forgot to mention was the fact that my car rides pretty smooth but definately handles better, eibach likes to use real high spring rates and that makes for a bumpy ride. Herb Adams, a famous GM suspension engineer who also has his own company now that makes suspension components, has always stated that higher spring rates dont always make for better handling and ususally puts an emphasis on upgrading the other suspension components like bigger sway bars, better dampener valving, and beefier, lighter control arms.......

[fightinchunk]

are spring rates controlable in a coilover set up? i mean if i get tien coilovers...can i adjust more than just the height of the car? If this is that case, then i would rather get adjustable shocks with GC coilovers sleeves.

[pmkls2]

well, you can buy coilovers with different spring rates installed but you have limited options for the rates and once you buy them you cannot "adjust" the spring rate, just the ride heigth and the dampening rate. you also DEFINATELY want to stay away from these "coilover conversion kits" that are sold on ebay and various sport compact catalogs the spring rates these kits come with would feel harsh in a 4200 pound caprice lat alone one of our cars. I will put it this way, bone stock our cars have a 112 lb/in rate, I am running 175 in front and 150 rear as recommended on the 240sx.org site, most coilovers like teins are around 225-250 but it depends on the type you buy, the "conversion kits" you buy out of a catalog are usually 450lb front and 250-350 rear so you can imagine what the ride is like ( i used them before doing my own conversion and most bumps will send you airborn ) again IMHO to get the best ride do the conversion like on the 240sx.org site and play with the spring rates the springs I used are about $40 each shipped so if you want to change the rates it is quite cheap to change the springs for the mounts, springs, and sleeves with nuts I probably have $300 in my setup and with this setup you can use factory style replacement struts like the popular kyb agx or koni's both of which have adjustable dampening rates to match the springs you pick. this setup gives you the most flexibility and a decent price.......

[cdlong]

Eibachs have to lowest rate avaliable for aftermarket lowering springs. well, sort of, they are progressive. the starting rate of the pro-kits is only slightly higher than stock. check the zilvia.net FAQ for more details. if you want something softer, ground controls with custom spring rates would be a good idea. remember, if you go with a softer spring rate with a shorter spring, you will bottom out a lot.